Småland
Fairy-tale turrets, a drawbridge, a foul dungeon and secret passages…Kalmar Slott has everything that a proper castle should. This dominant Renaissance…
Must-see attractions in Småland
Småland
Square-jawed men going hunting while their wives snuggle up to sewing machines: the Husqvarna Fabriksmuseum conjures up a vivid 1950s world and while that…
Småland
The site of one of Sweden's original glassworks, established in 1742, the Kosta Boda complex continues to reel in coachloads of visitors. It’s touristy,…
Småland
Overlooking the lake, and considered one of the finest early Renaissance buildings in the Nordic region, construction commenced on Vadstena Slott, the…
Småland
If you visit one place in the Glasriket, come to the Glass Factory on the site of the former Boda factory. The project houses Scandinavia's largest…
Småland
Built between 1630 and 1644, this is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Sweden. Features include three spectacular towers, a moat, and…
Småland
The Blå Jungfrun (Blue Maiden) National Park encompasses a 1km-long granite island also known as ‘Witches’ Mountain’ because, according to ancient…
Småland
Astrid Lindgrens Näs is a fascinating cultural centre set on the farm in which Lindgren, author of the world-bestselling Pippi Longstocking books, grew up…
Småland
This eponymous factory in Malerås, 23km from Kosta, is the collaboration of acclaimed artist Mats Jonasson and four other glassblowing talents who produce…
Småland
Located 2km west of the city, this is one of the biggest living-museum villages in Sweden. It’s a gorgeous combo of cobbled streets, picket-fenced gardens…
Småland
Jönköping's science museum makes for an interesting and fun day out for inquisitive adults, though it's definitely geared towards the younger generation…
Småland
Award-winning Eksjö Museum tells the town’s story from the 15th century onward. The top floor is devoted to local Albert Engström (1869–1940), renowned…
Småland
Among the varied exhibits at Sweden's oldest provincial museum is a truly stunning exhibition about the country’s 500-year-old glass industry, with…
Småland
The highlight of this fine museum, in an old steam mill by the harbour, are finds from the 17th-century flagship Kronan. The ship exploded and sank just…
Småland
The innovative Arbetets Museum documents working life. There’s one permanent display about Alva Carlsson, a typical worker in the former cotton mill, and…
Småland
Boasts engrossing displays on the emigration of more than one million Swedes to America (1850–1930) and includes a replica of Vilhelm Moberg’s office and…
Småland
The Sancta Birgitta Klostermuseet is in Bjälboättens Palats (a royal residence that became a convent in 1384). It tells the story of St Birgitta’s roller…
Småland
If you're a rev-head or just a lover of beautiful machines, this vehicle museum in a lovely lakeside spot is a must for its staggering collection of more…
Småland
Overlooking leafy Vasaparken, the city's impressive art gallery boasts a collection of important early-20th-century works, including modernist and cubist…
Småland
In Astrid Lindgrens Värld, actresses dressed as Pippi (complete with gravity-defying pigtails) sing and dance their way around the 100 buildings and…
Småland
Opened in 1965, Scandinavia’s largest zoo attracts some 750,000 visitors a year who come to visit its 750-odd residents from all climates and continents…
Småland
Sweden’s most famous rune stone, the 9th-century Rökstenen, is near the church at Rök (just off the E4 on the road to Heda and Alvastra, 25km from…
Småland
No one has counted, apparently, but there are probably upwards of 35,000 objects on display at this fascinating ethnological museum housed in the former…
Småland
This 2017 museum in Mariannelund (20km west of Vimmerby) explores the history of film in Småland with a definite angle on Pippi's adventures on celluloid…
Småland
Apparently ‘the only match museum in the world’, Tändsticksmuseet, in an old match factory, deals with this practical Swedish invention. It’s quite an eye…
Småland
The Skurugata Nature Reserve, 13km northeast of Eksjö, is centred on a peculiar 800m-long fissure in the rocks. Its sides tower to 56m, yet in places the…
Småland
Visiting and permanent exhibitions cover local history and contemporary culture, but the best reason for coming here is to see the haunting fantasy works…
Småland
Kids go gaga for the massive monsters of the past in this gargantuan indoor Dino Museum about 10km west of Kalmar. While it's not quite Jurassic Park and…
Småland
Although the entry price is a little steep, Bond fans will enjoy this quirky museum of James Bond memorabilia, the product of one man's lifetime obsession…
Grenna Museum – The Andrée Expedition – Polar Centre
Småland
This unique and impressive museum describes the disastrous attempt of Salomon August Andrée to reach the North Pole by balloon in 1897. It’s riveting…
Småland
The unfortunately named Pukeberg Glasbruk, just southeast of the centre of Nybro, is interesting for its historic setting (dating from 1871) which is…
Småland
Not to be confused with the Kosta Glassworks, but within its grounds, the Kosta Glascenter offers demonstrations, workshops and classes in glass blowing…
Småland
The factory's own gallery has some stunning pieces but feels at times like a front for its nearby retail outlets. You can see even more exquisite pieces…
Småland
Krusenstiernska Gården is a 19th-century middle-class home around 500m from the entrance to Kalmar Slott that seems to be delightfully stuck in a timewarp…
Småland
‘Of plain construction, humble and strong’, the church was built in response to one of St Birgitta’s visions. After its consecration in 1430, Vadstena…
Småland
Situated adjacent to the striking Väversunda kyrka, this nature reserve and lake pulls in a diverse cast of birds. The adjacent visitor centre has plenty…
Småland
The striking Kalmar Konstmuseum can be found in the park near Kalmar Slott. While it doesn't have a permanent collection, its striking galleries usually…
Småland
This stunning church is a dramatic mass of spires and buttresses that seem to point forever upwards, which seems fitting if St Petri (St Peter) is the one…
Småland
Located 15km southwest of Vadstena, just beyond the tiny hamlet of Skedet, this bizarre-looking church contains some interesting 13th-century wall…
Småland
If you're lucky, you'll be able to watch Uruguayan-born artist Carlos R Pebaqué create extraordinary vases in his one glass oven in Gullaskruv, 6km from…
